Donna Monique Coleman Brooks

Donna Monique Coleman Brooks, a beloved vibrant, resilient, witty, and real-life-of-the-party spirit, peacefully transitioned at the age of 55 on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 25th, 2022. 

Donna was born in an unexpected blizzard in the Bronx, New York, on Christmas Morning, December 25th, 1966, to Lillian E. Coleman and Donald W. Brooks, Jr. Donna was raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she was a student of the Frank Hatchett School of Dance. Donna attended schools in Hampden and Hampshire counties, where she completed her high school education and went on to complete college credits. 

Donna became a mother as a teenager to her five children, Donald (Devon), Dionne (DW), Darius, Devine (DL), and Denzel. Donna considered her greatest life accomplishments to be the wellness and success of her children. Donna was a fabulous accomplished cook and the ultimate “hostess with the mostess.” She was in the process of writing her memoirs titled, From Suburban to Urban. Donna was a dedicated Christian and valued her relationship with the Lord. 

Adoringly nicknamed ‘Good Time Donna,’ she was known for her love to dance, party, and have a good time. Donna was passionate about fashion and a sharp dresser who loved to travel to visit family and friends. She was celebrated for her legendary recipes, warm hospitality skills, and hilarious personality that nourished and sheltered many community members over the years.

Donna was a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend to many, and she adored her loved ones. Donna’s beautiful, humorous, and generous spirit will live on in the many lives that she touched. 

Donna is predeceased by her father, Donald W. Brooks, Jr., and grandchild Isaiah Devon Walker.

Donna is survived by her mother, Lillian E Coleman, and her seven siblings Gwendolyn Yvette Fitzgerald Brooks, Wanda Brooks, Lisa Brooks, Crystal Brooks, Stephan Moore,  Nichole Brooks, and Dawn Brooks. 

Donna is also survived by her five children, Donald Devon Walker, Dionne Monique “DW” Walker-McCraven (Kinga), Darius Dashawn Blake Dickins-Coleman (Vanessa), Devine Lilliano Patrick Hill Coleman, and Denzel Rhamel Anthony Coleman-Paulin, and her eight grandchildren, Shamell Nichols, Chaya Rozay Walker, Lily Coleman, Dakota Coleman-Paulin, Emmaline Coleman, Skylar Brady Coleman, Delahni Coleman-Paulin and Makani Walker-McCraven. 

Special thank you to our loving community, who made contributions that made her memorial possible. Services will be held at Forastiere Family Funeral & Cremation Home at 45 Locust St Springfield, MA, on Saturday, June 25th, 2022, from 2-3:30 pm and are open to all. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the fundraiser that is still ongoing to cover Donna’s memorial and estate. (Donations can be made directly with any of Donna’s children or the following link: https://gofund.me/bb8c8e33)